Not quite sure were to buy my first ball.

[Newbie Ball]

I've been researching ball pythons for 3 + months, but haven't gotten around to actually buying one.
There is a few reptile stores near me, Most rescues I think so the chances of buying a wild bred python is high.

I'm thinking of buying one from a big chain store, Petland, petco, petsmart etc. I've asked a few of em where they got their pythons from, they said breeders. So i might go with them.

I'm just wondering if anyone bought a python, or any snake for that matter from a big chain store, and is it doing alright / no signs of wild caught?

Also I live on long island - middle part.

[elbee]

I recommend buying straight from a breeder instead of a chain store. Petsmart etc ball pythons usually do not eat well and are expensive. A normal ball python from a breeder will cost you much less, even it is is shipped. You can check kingsnake.com classifieds or try some breeder websites. I know some sites have individual pics of even their normals, so you can find something you like.

[RedDragonMorphs]

I recommend buying straight from a breeder instead of a chain store. Petsmart etc ball pythons usually do not eat well and are expensive. A normal ball python from a breeder will cost you much less, even it is is shipped. You can check kingsnake.com classifieds or try some breeder websites. I know some sites have individual pics of even their normals, so you can find something you like.

This^^^

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[Newbie Ball]

Alright thank you.
Are there any risks of buying a snake off the internet? I'm a little wary of it.

I'll find out if I can find a breeder in my area.

also forgot to mention in OP, i'm looking to just buy a normal BP.

[anwhit]

I'm not sure if you're in the same situation as me, but I had to buy from a chain store because there were no breeders around me and my local reptile store only had rescues.

But yes, look for a breeder first and foremost. That is the most important thing.

Now if you absolutely HAVE to buy from a chain store you have be to super observant with how they take care of them. Make sure the display cage that they're in is probably taken care of, make sure the temp and humidity is okay. (What I find hilarious is that the petco near me doesn't use their brand dials, the use zoo med ones xD)

Ask if they have feed records and ask to speak to the person that feeds them. He/she should be able to tell you exactly what they're eating, if they're eating regularly, and what days they eat.

I also made sure I held the one I had my eye on at least once a week for every 3 weeks just to make sure she was healthy etc.

It is very rare to find chain stores that take very good care of their animals, but it is possible. When I got my girl, she ate no problem 3 days after I got her. (Her normal feeding day at petco).

You just have to be careful.

Edit: Also, I would recommend a vet visit after you buy from a chain store. Just a routine check up and fecal just to make sure everything's okay. (If there is anything wrong, I know petco pays for any expenses up to 14 days after purchase.)

[Newbie Ball]

Petco usually have them on sale for $35-40 bucks. Also not sure if I can get a snake shipped to me since temps are around 50-60 degrees and usually deeps to below 40 this time of year.

I'll take both of your guys advice. thanks.

[Pythonfriend]

i would avoid all big chains, they dont care about the animals while making money with the animals.

Im sure you can find a breeder or private person who has something to sell locally.

when it comes to wild caught, it depends on the species. for ball pythons, these are typically either bred locally, or bred in breeding farms or by small breeders in africa. Ghana is a big producer & exporter for ball pythons. Wild-caught is extremely rare, since the quality of farm-bred babies and sub-adults is superior. That they are easy to breed but very hard to locate and catch in the wild also plays a role. so with this species, no need to worry.

But avoid the big chains and bog box stores.

[Raven01]

http://www.reptileexpo.com/lifirst.htm

I'd go there and meet the breeders.
You'll get a better idea of the health of the animals looking at the dozens they will have versus a couple at a pet store.
You will have a huge variety to choose from in the way of paintjobs.
Also, I usually find some of my supplies for keeping snakes at an absolute steal at shows like this.